Struggling with my monthly catalogue payments on ESA

Ames

You might find it's cheaper to get an internet and TV package than it is to just get an internet package. When you can change you can post on the right forum on here for advice on the best deal.

It sounds like you got a bad CAB adviser. PIP is actually better for mental health problems than DLA was (IMO). It's not about whether or not you can do an activity, it's whether you can do it safely, reliably, repeatedly and to an acceptable standard. It's also whether you have problems more than 50% of the time. It's possible that you said 'yes I can do that' when for the purposes of PIP you can't.

It might be worth seeing if there's another advice agency near you, or trying CAB again. Did you see a benefit specialist last time or one of the general office staff at a drop in?

If you're not getting PIP now then it doesn't have to be stressful applying for it. You've nothing to lose, so you can see it as a 'nice to have' rather than an essential part of life. Obviously you'd have to do a thorough application and some research is important.

Mae85

We just saw one of the volunteers as we was there about something completely different and it was mentioned. I!!!8217;m gonna get the forms tomorrow hopefully and apply for it

tomtom256

Mae85 wrote: »

We just saw one of the volunteers as we was there about something completely different and it was mentioned. I!!!8217;m gonna get the forms tomorrow hopefully and apply for it

You have nothing to lose from applying for PIP, if they say no, no change, but if they say yes, it will improve your finances and put you in a much better place.

poppy12345

Mae85 wrote: »

;m gonna get the forms tomorrow hopefully and apply for it

You can't just get the forms. You have to ring the PIP helpline to start a claim. They will ask you a few simple questions over the phone, GP name, bank details, NI number etc and then you'll be sent the form in the post.



You'll have 1 month to return it, along with your evidence. It can take 7-10 days to receive it, which means you have less time return it. If you don't have enough time then you can ring PIP and ask for a 14 day extension, they'll happily give this to you.

NeilCr

Mae85 wrote: »

We just saw one of the volunteers as we was there about something completely different and it was mentioned. I!!!8217;m gonna get the forms tomorrow hopefully and apply for it

Might be worth going to/speaking to CAB again specifically about PIP and help with completion. If you do give them as much notice as you can (see Poppy's post re time limits). They may not want to give you an appointment until you receive the forms

I'm not sure you saw a bad adviser given what you have said about why you were there. I've been in that situation and clients can ask a number of questions about subjects that they weren't originally seeing you for. Can be hard especially if it is a short drop in appointment. And sometimes what you think you've said and what the client thinks they've heard are different things!

Having said that I certainly wouldn't say you wouldn't get PIP on the back of a very short conversation unless it was patently obvious (and I've had those too!)

Alice_Holt

Others may disagree, but before phoning for the form, I would:
Have a careful look at the PIP descriptors;
Think about how your condition relates to the descriptors and to your day-to-day life;
Keep a dairy around those descriptors for a week (or so);
Make sure you can get to (at least) 8 points on the form;
Have a hunt round for any medical evidence you may have;
Perhaps contact your GP to see if s/he would support your claim;
Give your CAB a ring / visit to see what help they can give;
Show family members the descriptors and ask them to write a letter(s) confirming the help you need.

The idea being that when the form arrives -
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/584199/pip2-how-your-disability-affects-you-form.PDF
- you are prepared and ready to complete it. (As the time to complete it is limited - even if you request a 14 day extension).
I would do a draft, and then keep a final copy.

The PIP assessment guide or Benefits & Work are useful if you need to know how to interpret the descriptors:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

For instance complex written information (Activity 8) is " more than one sentence of written or printed standard size text, e.g. Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Subject to terms and conditions;. That's different to how we would normally define complex.

(Please be aware that the Planning and Following journeys descriptors have yet to be updated on the PIP guide - it's not "For reasons other than psychological distress, cannot plan the route of a journey", it is as per B & W "c. Cannot plan the route of a journey. 8 points.". it now includes the effects of psychological distress)

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-claims
As your are also looking at an ESA appeal, it may be worth membership of B & W. Their guides are excellent.

ohreally

Mae85 wrote: »

All of our calls and texts are free on our mobiles. With talk talk they are redoculous amounts per minute. We both need our phones. He needs his to contact his drug worker aswell as his other medical people he has to see.
We are both due upgrades in November so we will see what deals they have to offer.

https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-plans

£5pm job done (other providers are available). Never mind an upgrade until your circs improve.

NeilCr

Alice_Holt wrote: »

Others may disagree, but before phoning for the form, I would:
Have a careful look at the PIP descriptors;
Think about how your condition relates to the descriptors and to your day-to-day life;
Keep a dairy around those descriptors for a week (or so);
Make sure you can get to (at least) 8 points on the form;
Have a hunt round for any medical evidence you may have;
Perhaps contact your GP to see if s/he would support your claim;
Give your CAB a ring / visit to see what help they can give;
Show family members the descriptors and ask them to write a letter(s) confirming the help you need.

The idea being that when the form arrives -
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/584199/pip2-how-your-disability-affects-you-form.PDF
- you are prepared and ready to complete it. (As the time to complete it is limited - even if you request a 14 day extension).
I would do a draft, and then keep a final copy.

The PIP assessment guide or Benefits & Work are useful if you need to know how to interpret the descriptors:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

For instance complex written information (Activity 8) is " more than one sentence of written or printed standard size text, e.g. Your home may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Subject to terms and conditions;. That's different to how we would normally define complex.

(Please be aware that the Planning and Following journeys descriptors have yet to be updated on the PIP guide - it's not "For reasons other than psychological distress, cannot plan the route of a journey", it is as per B & W "c. Cannot plan the route of a journey. 8 points.". it now includes the effects of psychological distress)

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip/pip-claims
As your are also looking at an ESA appeal, it may be worth membership of B & W. Their guides are excellent.

I am not brave enough to disagree with you Alice! :cool:

I just think I'd add get the family member/friend who knows you well to have a look at he descriptors and give their opinion on whether or to your take on them is realistic. In my experience, claimants rarely have an unbiased view on how they are affected (both positively and negatively). When I complete forms I, usually, find that having the partner/spouse/friend/etc along helpful as they have a more dispassionate take on the situation.

Sambella

sammyjammy wrote: »

I get the impression you resent this money going to your OHs children, its an insignificant amount of money to help raise at least two children!


But its coming from an insignificant income. Should he hand the lot over?

Out of work benefits are the worst kind and they wont be very far away from absolute poverty.

The only thing it does is push a person with insignificant income into further poverty.

He has the kids EVERY weekend,school holidays and midweek for tea and I doubt that this is all done for free. children as you know cost money. On top of that he pays towards school trips and unforms which he does not have to do.

He does all this without any child related benefits despited having child related costs.

Here is another non resident parent who has their kids every weekend on Universal Credit - https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/welfare/2018/06/my-universal-credit-diary-six-days-go-i-have-nothing-left

Mae85

Thank you for that, it is hard, and what makes it harder is the ex is always asking for more money!

The latest is she!!!8217;s getting the kids a kitten tomorrow and she!!!8217;s said when it!!!8217;s our weekend to have the kids WE have to take care of the bloody kitten aswell!

It!!!8217;s not our responsibility for one, she wanted the animal for her home so it!!!8217;s hers! Also my OH can!!!8217;t have any pets with his breathing problems!

Honestly I have never know a woman like her she is unbearable and relentless! Out for all she can get regardless of if we eat or not!
Most weekends I go without eating just so I know the kids are fed.